Written question asked by Lord Hayhoe (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Warner (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 April 2006.

NHS: Palliative Care

Question: How many palliative care consultants are in post in the National Health Service in England and Wales; and how many vacancies there are currently for such consultants.

Answer: The most recent published figures for staff numbers of consultant specialists in palliative medicine in England are from the June 2005 medical and dental workforce mini-census. At this time, there was a headcount of 195 and a full time equivalent figure of 161 for this staff group. The most recent vacancy data we have is from the 2005 medical and dental vacancy survey, which is based on three-month vacancy figures as at 31 March 2005. This shows a vacancy rate of 11.2 per cent. or 21 posts for England. Information relating to Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

Secondary information